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Never underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee- Ursula Vernon

NOW, add a good cup of coffee that pays it forward too. That’s a definite way to add warm and fuzzies to the start of your day. Celeb and entrepreneur, Buli G, has taken the Bay’s big hearts for others, and local roastery Mastertons, and launched her very own blend, The G Cup, in aid of the Buli G Arts Trust. 

Buli G has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for 21 years. Her rise to fame started as a student in 1999 when she was noticed by CBFM (now Bay FM). It was in 2002 that Buli launched herself as a household name when, after an audition for South African Idols, Algoa FM offered her a slot on the Bay’s most popular radio station. Buli has extended her networks and resources to many who have wanted to pursue the arts, with one of her most acclaimed initiatives being the Buli G Arts Trust. 

This week, 041Online caught up with Buli to chat about the launch of her delicious fundraising addition.  

Would you please give us an overview of the Buli G Arts Trust?

Over the years, many talented young people have approached me for the means to further their dreams. I get emails weekly.  Some wanted to study, others needed finances to travel to auditions and many just wanted to look the part as they attempted to compete nationally or globally. It seemed a natural step from serving the community through various organisations over the years, for me to transition into serving the community through my own organisation.

As you enjoy a cup of this brew, please realise that each sip could fund as much as a bursary, or as little as a leotard for a performance or even a musical instrument for someone who cannot afford one. 

How did the project come about and what are your hopes for its future?

Our hope is for each recipient to enjoy a lifetime of prosperity in their chosen field within the arts because of our help. Mastertons turns 100 next year and my goal is to help 100 young people by the end of 2024. 

Any success stories or is it fairly new?

Plenty of successes in cases where I helped young people – myself – with my own funds. I have also received some accolades for my charity work over the years that I rarely share – now that time is limited this year, and I don’t get a chance to serve as much as before, it was time to create a vehicle that will help me to continue to serve and make it official as of April 2023. 

How did the collaboration with Mastertons come about?

I have always wanted to have a coffee brand and have been chatting with them for a while – mid-year last year I opted to do a coffee for a worthy cause – It just made more sense and we’ve been working on it since then.

What does the collab entail?

They produce the coffee and I distribute it.

How would you describe the coffee itself?

Medium roast with a divine coffee aroma

How can people assist with the project?

By simply buying the coffee.

How are funds utilized?

The trustees select young people under the age of 35 to benefit, and we use the funds for their needs in pursuing a passion in the arts and creative industries for building a career.

In conclusion:

This is a premium coffee and I am hoping coffee lovers buy it as they would any other premium coffee. What sets it apart is that its proceeds help others. It’s an easy way for those who want to help others to do so. 

The organisation has other sources of funding but the coffee is a way for the public to participate in this initiative, too. 

To learn more about how to order a bag of The G Cup, or how to assist the Buli G Arts Trust, follow @thegcupcoffee or @buli.g on Instagram.